The Association between Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives: The relationship between autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is investigated to determine a link that would guide management due to elevated RCC risk. Current literature is inconclusive on this topic. Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review of patients having undergone nephrectomy. Those with pathology and history consistent with ADPKD were reviewed for presence of RCC. Results: The review at this institution revealed RCC in 18% of ADPKD patients who underwent nephrectomy. These rates are significantly higher than those found in the general population, and even greater than those would be expected in patients suffering end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Conclusions: Due to the increased prevalence of RCC in ADPKD, clinicians managing patients with ADPKD should maintain a high index of suspicion. Our data suggest a link between ADPKD and RCC, most likely at the genetic level. In light of this, we feel that further genetic research is needed to potentially discover the link between these two disease processes.